San Leandro's Stephen Johnson commits to UCLA football

San Leandro High football star Stephen Johnson orally committed to UCLA on Tuesday evening at The Opening, a premier summer showcase event for recruits in Beaverton, Oregon.

The 5-foot-11, 188-pound Johnson, rated as a three-star athlete by ESPN.com, announced his decision during a telecast of The Opening on ESPNU.

"I will be committing to UCLA," he said, showing a UCLA hat.

He said UCLA has talked about using him as a slot receiver/defensive back.

"I plan to. .. play kick returner as well," he said, showing why he is a listed as an athlete. He said he does not have a preference as far as position.

Besides UCLA, Johnson also considered Arizona State, Oregon and Cal.

Johnson played quarterback for San Leandro last season, and was named the West Alameda County Conference-Foothill Division Offensive Player of the Year. He completed 49 of his 94 pass attempts for 939 yards and six touchdowns, and also rushed. for 728 yards and 13 touchdowns, averaging 7.4 yards per carry.

Cal did receive a verbal commit at the Opening from quarterback Ross Bowers from Bothell, Washington. The 6-foot-1, Bowers, rated as a four-star quarterback by ESPN.com, is a pro-style quarterback according to Rivals.com.

"I've always considered myself the underdog," Bowers said on ESPNU. "That's how I work out, that's how I train."